Our cooperation with governments

Kindernothilfe has a longstanding partnership with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) which has become Kindernothilfe’s most important institutional donor. In 2014 the ministry provided financial support of about EUR 1.6 million to 16 projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America. These projects have a duration of up to 48 months and cover a comprehensive thematic portfolio that ranges from climate change adaption in Ethiopia and India and the reduction of sexual violence in Bolivia to the fulfillment of child rights in Ecuador.

With this extensive support, the German Government values not only the quality and effectiveness of Kindernothilfe’s projects but also recognizes the important contribution that our local community-based partner organizations make to international development. With their close ties to the communities and their intimate knowledge of local contexts, they can reach out to those who do not usually have a say in development. Our partner organizations make their voices heard at the societal and political level. In its grant- and donation-funded projects alike, Kindernothilfe pursues a rights-based, child-centered approach aimed at strengthening the capacity of the local civil society and at addressing the structural causes of poverty, deprivation and social exclusion.

Project example Ethiopia

BMZ and the CoSAP network support a project for 10,000 families with approximately 50,000 children in the regions of Oromia, Afar and Somali. This project helps these communities develop internal resilience against natural disasters. Working in collaboration with local authorities, women can set up a local financial and social safety net with assistance from self-help groups. Should drought or crisis strike, they are better equipped with savings to buy food and necessities for daily life.

Authorities can alert families of upcoming crises in a shorter timespan to allow for better preparation. Children receive regular nutritious meals and attend school. They are learning about their rights and advocacy approaches.

Project example Pakistan

The BMZ supports our partner organisation RDF in the Thar Desert of the Pakistani province of Sindh. The funding comes from the Energy and Climate Fund that is financed by revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System.

This project ensures that approximately 139,600 people can live sustainably in this region now affected by extreme weather conditions. The men have goats, sheep, chicken, and camels vaccinated. The women have adapted to droughts by using new feeding methods.

The population colaborates with the authorities and the University of Sindh to develop an appropriate effective drought and flood warning system. Small farmers use water conservation methods and plants that are better adapted to the changing climate. In addition, they have expanded the village water cisterns. Today, residents and farmers have sufficient access to water. The women build clay stoves on their own to reduce wood fuel use. In school, children are learning how to adjust to future environment and weather conditions.